No Sentiment For Fielding

Thursday, December 3rd 2015

Frank Fielding will be putting personal emotions to one side when Bristol City host Blackburn Rovers at Ashton Gate on Saturday (3pm).

The goalkeeper grew up watching his hero, Tim Flowers, in Blackburn’s Premiership-winning season of 1994/95 and trained with another of his idols, Brad Friedel, during a 15-year stint on the books at Ewood Park.

But Fielding insists his sole focus will be on his current employers when he runs out in front of an anticipated sell-out crowd at Ashton Gate.

“I’m trying not to think of it too much like that,” said Fielding of facing his hometown club, speaking to Bristol City Player HD.

“It’s the team I supported as a boy and the team my dad used to take me to watch on a Saturday.

“I played for them at youth level and in the reserves, but it’s been a few years since I’ve been a Blackburn player now.

“I just want to get the three points and get the momentum back that we had before the Rotherham game. Emotions aside, I just want the result.”

Not only will Fielding be facing his former club but also a former boss.

New Rovers manager Paul Lambert gave the City number one his senior debut when he signed him for Wycombe Wanderers on loan from Blackburn in 2007/08.

“He gave me my league debut so I’m always going to be grateful for that,” Fielding added. “I had quite a successful time with him at Wycombe and he’s a man I respect highly.

“Anyone can beat anyone and it’s a tough league. It’s going to be a difficult game obviously, but we just want to bounce back like we did after the Fulham game.

“It’s obviously a roller coaster of a season and we’ll have our ups and downs. Things happen and you get setbacks, but it’s a chance to put things right on Saturday.”